On Thursday, January 16, police launched an investigation after a child was reportedly 'grabbed by the throat' while walking home from Moorlands Junior School in Sale, Trafford. The incident was described as 'unprovoked' in a notice sent to parents and carers from the school.

Greater Manchester Police received a report about the incident and have initiated an investigation into a common assault offence. According to Manchester Evening News, a suspect has been identified, and enquiries are ongoing.

The school’s notice mentioned: "Urgent message - apologies as this is quite shocking. We have just been informed of a very nasty incident where a stranger has grabbed hold of one of our children by the throat on Broad Road, as they were walking home. This was unprovoked."

The message continued: "This has been reported to the police. Can I please suggest that all children are dropped off at and picked up from school tomorrow whilst investigations are ongoing? The child concerned is safe but quite shook up. Thank you to the parents that intervened and got them home safely."

In response to the incident, nearby St Anne's CE Primary School also sent a warning, advising parents and guardians to 'think carefully about arrangements for walking to and from school'. This incident follows reports of six 'suspicious males' allegedly targeting young people in the Trafford area.

Detectives have looked into these separate reports and conducted CCTV enquiries. They confirmed that 'no offending' was identified in five of the incidents, while one report of common assault remains under investigation. Additionally, officers are investigating an 'attempted abduction' in Irlam, where an 11-year-old was reportedly grabbed on Tuesday.